The FA may only intervene when requested to in cases where it suspects that its Rules have been breached. Accordingly, The FA's involvement in this matter began in September 2002 when Wimbledon FC initiated arbitration in respect of a dispute with Birmingham City, under Rule K of The FA's rules.

In such cases The FA, through Rule K, provides a mechanism for dealing with disputes between participants. Unless it is a party to the dispute, The FA is not directly involved.

In November 2002, Michael Hughes launched his own personal action against the two clubs, and the process has since followed a normal course of events.

It is therefore incorrect to claim that The FA has been responsible for the delays to date.

The FA will continue to monitor the matter to ensure that the parties comply with Rule K, however as the matter is essentially a private one, it cannot directly intervene.